Application of conditional knockout technology in the research of follicular development

Follicular development is a complicated physiological processes regulated by endocrine, paracrine and gene. Conditional knockout approach can remove a gene at a specific cells or organs. This technology can help us to clarify gene functions in vivo. In recent years, the conditional knockout is widely applied to study the follicular regulatory mechanism. In this review, we have summarized recent progress in molecular mechanisms regulating activation of primordial follicles, oocyte meiotic maturation, ovulation, and luteinization as revealed by conditional knockout technology in the mouse ovary. Key words: Conditional knockout; Follicle activation; Oocyte meiotic maturation ovulation; Signal pathway